Charge laid in relation to South Auckland death

An 18-year-old man from South Auckland will appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with common assault in relation to the death of a 19-year-old man in South Auckland early on Saturday (October 8).
 
Police can now confirm the deceased man is Samiuela Halaifonua of South Auckland.
 
Mr Halaifonua suffered a stab wound during a fight at an address in Favona and later died in Middlemore Hospital.
 
Detective Inspector Gary Lendrum says Counties Manukau Police are continuing its investigation into Halaifonua’s death and are not ruling out further arrests.
 
“We are continuing to speak with several people in relation to the incident and following positive lines of inquiry,” says Mr Lendrum.
 
“Our thoughts are also with Mr Halaifonua’s family at this difficult time.”
 
Ends
 
Kim Chambers / NZ Police